If you want to have a say about the qualities the next superintendent of Shawnee Mission School District should possess, you’ll get your chance this month.

The school board has hired a search firm to help it find the replacement for retiring Superintendent Gene Johnson. Monday, November 26, and Tuesday, November 27, the firm will hold five public sessions to get community input. The sessions in northeast Johnson County will be held on Nov. 26 at the following times and locations:

4:30 p.m. – SM North Library

6:15 p.m. – SM East Library

8:00 p.m. – Indian Woods Middle School Library (9700 Woodson)

Meetings on Nov. 27 will be held at SM West and SM Northwest.

The board hired the search firm, Ray and Associates, at its Monday meeting partly because of its strength in working with communities to develop a profile that reflects the characteristics the community wants to see in the next superintendent. Ray will conduct and national search and will facilitate the public meetings.

Comments also will be received through a survey on the district website until Nov. 29.

School Board President Patty Mach said no decision has been made about whether the public will be allowed to meet or interview finalists for the job as the search narrows.

The board will pay Ray and Associates $24,000 for search. The company is expected to talk with professional staff, students and parents in developing the profile. The board hopes to have a new superintendent hired by spring.